Compared to past seasons, the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs have been filled with goals and excitement. Only the Flames continue to use the old heavy and defensive hockey formula for success with the NHL betting odds. The Penguins host the Rangers on Friday night and can clinch the series on home ice. Meanwhile, Florida is looking to take out the Capitals in Washington. And then Dallas will fight to stay alive against Calgary. It is true that there is nothing like playoff hockey. The only thing better is playoff hockey with a team facing extinction.
2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs – First Round Rangers vs. Penguins – Game 6
| Date and Time: | Friday, May 13, 2022, 7 p.m. ET |
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| Location: | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rangers | -1½ (+195) | 6½ (-105) | -120 |  |
| Penguins | +1½ (-235) | 6½ (-115) | EV | |
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In-game five at New York, the Penguins jumped out to a 2-0 lead. But from there, the Rangers rallied for the online wagering win. It was one of the most exciting games in the first round. Still, New York faces its biggest challenge in this series. Pittsburgh can kill off the Broadway Blueshirts with a win on Friday night. If New York wins, game seven is Sunday in New York. So far, this series has featured plenty of offense and goaltending that is far below par from the regular season.
Of great concern is the status of Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby. Game five changed when Crosby was forced to leave with an upper-body injury. He is questionable for this one.
NHL 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs – First Round Panthers vs. Capitals – Game 6
| Date and Time: | Friday, May 13, 2022, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC |
| TV Coverage: | TBS |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | -1½ (+140) | 6½ (-133) | -175 | |
| Capitals | +1½ (-160) | 6½ (+113) | +155 | |
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Florida leads this series 3-2 and has shown tenacity in the process. To show, the Panthers rallied from a 0-3 deficit to beat the Capitals 5-3 in game five. Florida is young and inexperienced at playoff hockey. Counter to that is a Washington team that won the 2018 Stanley Cup and is battle-tested. Now, Washington faces elimination on home ice. Florida is one of the most entertaining teams in the NHL. But their loose play is often criticized as unsustainable in the playoffs. After blowing that 3-0 lead on Wednesday night, Washington’s mental state will be questioned.
NHL 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs – First Round Calgary Flames vs. Dallas Stars
| Date and Time: | Friday, May 13, 2022, 9:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | American Airlines Center, Dallas Texas |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flames | -1½ (+165) | 5½ (+115) | -165 | |
| Stars | +1½ (-190) | 5½ (-135) | +145 | |
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The Stars and Flames fill the bill for fans who like old-time hockey or need a sleep inducement. Goal scoring is at a premium in this series. Both clubs prefer to suffocate their opponents. And Calgary has done a better job of doing that.
Of course, Dallas will fight to force a seventh game back at Calgary on Sunday. And they’ll have a packed house backing them. Dallas won a playoff series against the Flames two years ago. And that is not forgotten by either side.
Friday NHL SBG Free Picks
Despite imploding at New York on Wednesday, the Penguins are still the better team. It will be difficult for the Caps to recover from their NHL betting debacle on Wednesday. And Dallas will fight for their lives in front of their loud fans.
Friday SBG NHL Best Bets: Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars.